#OCTA Research Group

[carlocarrasco]

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila positivity rate may peak by next week

As the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to rise here in the Philippines, OCTA Research announced that the positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface… The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak…

[octahedral-chaos]

*Flies through your window*

OCTA I HAVE YET ANOTHER WIP IDEA! THIS ON IS INSPIRED BY ALL THE WORLDLESS EXPERIMENT-RELATED AUS.

*Pulls out notebook*

OKAY SO:

In the not-too-distant future, a group of researchers discover a massive graveyard under the thick ice of Antarctica, which had been mostly thawed due to climate change. Within this burial are thousands, if not millions, of strange creatures of varying appearances, and with a composition similar to that of stars and nebulae.

As such, they were dubbed "Starfolk".

They have yet to know how the heck they got there, or how they acted and what made them extinct in the first place, but they do know this:

They're oddly... compatible... with some earth species.

Some that appear like birds share a similar DNA structure to herons and storks. Some appear like armadillos and has compatible DNA to earth armadillos.

Thus... began a strange trend of... reviving these creatures... through their earthly counterparts. To do this, they would simply inject the DNA of the Starfolk into a compatible animal. This new strain overrides the previous and becomes the new genetic material, resulting in the creature transforming (in an admittedly excruciating way) into this new creature, essentially bringing it back from extinction.

But for the ones that are only compatible with primates and humans...

Well... here's where things get a little dirty...

Scientists would essentially either trick or kidnap people and use them to experiment on. They turned them into various Starfolk: Seraphs, Wizards, Stalkers, and even managed to revive a massive Angel and a Demon.

And then there where... the Hunters.

Two classmates, kidnapped during a night in the woods. They were experimented on, and changed into... what the scientists called the Hunter and Huntress.

But what they don't realize... is that all Starfolk have a latent power, one that those taking on their new forms don't even realize they have. Power that, once mastered, could pose a threat to all of society.

It doesn't help that those who have changed seem to take on a completely different behavior, many of which violent...

Perhaps there's a very good reason why the Starfolk were down there in the first place, miles deep under a layer of ice...

Aka: An AU where two college students get turned into Starfolk. Being locked in a secret facility is the least of their problems though. Fighting off transformed creatures, keeping their new primal urges at bay, and hopefully find a balance in their new forms and return to a normal life...

Somehow...

Aka: aka: Two kids are turned into Edda and Aven. All hell breaks lose.

OH MY GOOODDDDDDDDD

THIS IS GOOD-

I love how horrifying this entire concept is

[normalucia]

Don’t be motivated by cash, cocaine, champagne

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte continued her broadsides yesterday against her erstwhile allies, declaring that “leaders should not be motivated by cash, cocaine or champagne… And most certainly, leaders should not be made to hold champagne glasses.”

Duterte also admitted that she and President Marcos have not seen or talked to each other since she resigned from her Cabinet post in June.

“I don’t have a description of my relationship now with President Marcos. We no longer talk to each other. We also no longer see each other,” Duterte said yesterday in separate interviews with SMNI and GMA News.

In a public statement she posted on her personal Facebook page, which was shared by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte mentioned for the second time the word ��cocaine.”

It was seen as a reference to accusations by her camp that Marcos is a cocaine user. Her mention of champagne was also seen as a reference to video footage during the diplomatic reception held recently at Malacañang, which showed First Lady Liza Marcos grabbing a champagne glass held by Senate President Francis Escudero, sipping from it and handing it back to him.

In an open letter last Wednesday, Duterte lamented how the government and its officials “continuously” allowed Filipinos to go hungry, live in poverty and remain vulnerable to crimes.

She specifically slammed the government and members of the House of Representatives over supposed inaction on the issues of health, security and foreign interference, especially of the International Criminal Court and their investigation on her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, saying that “Filipinos deserve better.”

Duterte defended her statement, saying that she was neither “pro-administration” nor “anti-administration,” but rather speaking for the welfare of the Filipinos and the country.

Addressing government officials, Duterte said: “Leadership is faithfulness to the oath of office. Leadership is faithful service to the people. Leaders should only say one thing – that ‘it is done.’”

The Vice President also criticized the recent survey of OCTA Research, which showed that fewer people are supportive of her family, claiming that someone must have paid the research group to ask if they are “pro-Marcos” or “pro-Duterte.”

“They should have asked, ‘are you pro-Philippines?’ I’m sure everyone would change their answer to ‘pro-Philippines,’” Duterte said.

Earlier this week, the research group released the results of its June 29 to July 1 survey that found only 16 percent of the respondents identify themselves as “pro-Duterte,” four points down from 20 percent in March.

Meanwhile, those who support the Marcos administration increased by five points from 31 percent to 36 percent.

OCTA Research maintained that it is non-partisan and its surveys are conducted independently.

“Our goal was to try to contribute to conversation on political preference, which is something very hard and challenging to measure,” political analyst and OCTA co-founder Ranjit Rye said in a phone interview with The STAR.

In the same interviews, Duterte said the desire to “perpetuate power” may be the motive behind the attacks on her and her family.

“It’s very obvious that everything you are hearing or seeing that is being done right now – the motive behind is that ‘I no longer want to step down. This (power) will be mine forever,’” Duterte stressed.

[gizopedia]

introduction your study day is packed. Between juggling class notes, streaming lectures, and researching online, your laptop feels too heavy, and your phone just doesn’t cut it. What if you could have a compact, affordable device that ticks all the boxes? That’s where budget tablets come in. They’re powerful, portable, and won’t drain your wallet. Let’s explore how these under-$500 wonders can transform your learning experience. Why Budget Tablets Are Perfect for Students When you’re navigating the demands of school life, having the right tech matters. Budget tablets hit that sweet spot, offering great functionality at an unbeatable price. Affordability Meets Accessibility Unlike laptops that can cost you a fortune, tablets under $500 offer powerful features at a fraction of the cost. You won’t need to compromise your savings for a quality device. Portable Powerhouses These lightweight devices are designed for mobility. Slip one into your backpack, and you’re ready to conquer group projects, study marathons, or even a relaxing Netflix session. Packed with Features You Need Budget tablets today are no slouch. You’ll get long battery life to power through your day, compatibility with your favorite apps, and screens that make reading and streaming a delight. Key Features to Look for in Budget Tablets Under $500 Choosing the right tablet can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Focus on these key features, and you’ll find your perfect match. Performance and Storage A smooth experience is a must, right? Look for tablets with at least 4GB of RAM to handle multitasking like a pro. Storage is another biggie. You’ll want at least 64GB, and expandable storage is a bonus for all your files and apps. Display Quality Your eyes deserve the best, especially with all the screen time you rack up. A Full HD display ensures crisp visuals, while a screen size between 8 to 10 inches balances portability and usability. Battery Life Imagine this: a full day of studying, and your tablet is still going strong. Choose one that lasts 8-10 hours so you can leave your charger at home. Accessories Support Want to level up? Stylus support lets you take handwritten notes, while a keyboard attachment turns your tablet into a mini-laptop for those long assignments. Best Budget Tablets for Students in 2024 We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top contenders. Here are the best tablets under $500 that are perfect for students. 1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 If you’re looking for value, this one’s hard to beat. Key Features: 10.5-inch Full HD display Octa-core processor for smooth performance 3GB RAM and expandable storage up to 1TB Battery life: 10 hours Why it’s great: It’s affordable, sturdy, and offers ample storage for all your notes and apps. Table Specs: FeatureSpecificationDisplay10.5-inch Full HDProcessorOcta-core 2.0 GHzRAM3GBStorage32GB (expandable)Battery LifeUp to 10 hours Pros and Cons: Pros: Affordable, solid build, expandable storage. Cons: Limited RAM might struggle with heavy multitasking. 2. Apple iPad (9th Generation) Apple’s entry-level iPad is a favorite for a reason. Key Features: 10.2-inch Retina display for stunning visuals A13 Bionic chip delivers reliable performance Supports Apple Pencil (1st gen) for creativity and notes Battery life: 10 hours Why it’s great: The iPad offers the premium Apple experience without the hefty price tag. Table Specs: FeatureSpecificationDisplay10.2-inch RetinaProcessorA13 BionicRAM3GBStorage64GBBattery LifeUp to 10 hours Pros and Cons: Pros: Excellent display, seamless performance, Apple ecosystem. Cons: Limited storage unless you use iCloud. 3. Lenovo Tab P11 Big screen, small price tag���Lenovo’s P11 is a winner. Key Features: 11-inch 2K display for stunning visuals Snapdragon 662 processor with 4GB RAM Keyboard and stylus compatibility for added functionality

Battery life: 12 hours Why it’s great: It’s productivity-focused and offers excellent screen quality. Table Specs: FeatureSpecificationDisplay11-inch 2KProcessorSnapdragon 662RAM4GBStorage64GB (expandable)Battery LifeUp to 12 hours Pros and Cons: Pros: High-resolution display, great battery life, versatile for productivity. Cons: Mid-tier performance might not suit heavy users. Comparison Table of Top Picks TabletPriceDisplayRAMBattery Lifee StorageStylus Tab A8$22910.5-inch FHD3GB10 hoursYesNoiPad 9th $32910.2-inch Retina3GB10 hoursNoYesTab P11$24911-inch 2K4GB12 hoursYesYes How to Choose the Right Tablet for Your Needs Still not sure which tablet is for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide. What’s your primary use? If you’re all about note-taking, a stylus-compatible tablet like the iPad or P11 is a great choice. Need a productivity boost? Tablets with keyboard support, like the Lenovo P11, are ideal for writing assignments. Portability vs. performance? If you’re always on the move, a smaller, lightweight tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 could be perfect. FAQ: Budget Tablets for Students What’s the best budget tablet under $500 for students? The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers excellent value for money, with a great display and expandable storage. Can budget tablets handle multitasking? Yes! Most budget tablets with 3-4GB RAM can handle light multitasking like browsing, streaming, and using educational apps. Are there any budget tablets with stylus support? Absolutely. The Apple iPad (9th Gen) and Lenovo Tab P11 both support stylus input, making them perfect for note-taking and creativity. What’s the battery life like on budget tablets? Most tablets under $500 offer 8-12 hours of battery life, plenty for a full school day. Conclusion Budget tablets are your secret weapon for academic success. They’re affordable, portable, and packed with features to simplify your student life. Whether you go for the all-around value of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, the premium feel of the Apple iPad, or the productivity-focused Lenovo Tab P11, you can’t go wrong. Ready to upgrade your study game? Start exploring these budget-friendly options today and take the first step toward smarter, stress-free learning. Found your perfect match? Share this guide with a friend who’s on the hunt for a budget tablet, and don’t forget to check out the latest deals online!

[dennistorejaperez]

Filipinos Divided: Survey Reveals Strong Support for Marcos and Duterte Factions

A recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group sheds light on the political landscape in the Philippines, revealing a stark division among citizens. According to the results released yesterday, a majority of Filipinos align themselves either with the Marcos administration or the Duterte family, indicating their preference for the current President over his predecessor. Survey…

[pressplusdaily]

Filipinos Divided: Survey Reveals Strong Support for Marcos and Duterte Factions

A recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group sheds light on the political landscape in the Philippines, revealing a stark division among citizens. According to the results released yesterday, a majority of Filipinos align themselves either with the Marcos administration or the Duterte family, indicating their preference for the current President over his predecessor. Survey…

[pannaginip]

Results of the poll released Sunday showed that 55% of adult Filipinos are in favor of the government cooperating with the probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Meanwhile, 45% are opposed to cooperating with the investigation of The Hague-based tribunal.

In January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC and will not cooperate with the probe.

The OCTA Research survey also suggested that 59% of adult Filipinos are in favor of rejoining the ICC, while 41% oppose the move.

In 2019, the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC, a year after Duterte announced the country would leave the court. Despite this, the tribunal still has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a state party.

Set up in 2002 to probe the world’s worst crimes, the ICC is a “court of last resort” and steps in and exercises jurisdiction only if countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute offenders.

When it authorized the inquiry in January 2023, the court noted that the Philippines’ initiatives to reexamine drug war killings did “not amount to tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps.”

Official figures report over 6,000 people killed during the Duterte administration's “war on drugs.” However, human rights groups estimate that the true toll may be as high as 30,000,

2024 Feb. 18

[latestindustryreports]

Social Trading Platform Market Driven by Expanding Demand for Premium Types, End Users & Application

The Insights Partner’s recently published- “Global Social Trading Platform Market Size Report | Industry & Analysis - Forecast 2028 offers a comprehensive roadmap for established and rising participants in the Social Trading Platform market. This research solution covers various aspects of the market including market size, share, and estimated revenue. In a dramatically changing business landscape, Social Trading Platform market research offers trustworthy insights on factors of influence, trends, challenges, and strategic recommendations. Based on primary and secondary research methods, this syndicate research covers the dynamics of the Social Trading Platform market.

This Market research report by The Insight Partners presents market trends, supply chain analysis, leading participants, and business growth strategies. This research covers technological progress and key developments covering various aspects of the inclusive market. It is valuable market research for existing key players as well as new entrants in the Social Trading Platform Market. Through inputs derived from experts, this research attempts to guide future investors about market details and potential returns on investment.

This report goes further into details of entire business processes and doesn’t restrict to only operational aspects. These insights cover venture economics and include tactics for capital investment, investor funding, and projections of ROIs. Net income and profit loss financial stats are crucial metrics of this Social Trading Platform market research report. With these meticulous insights companies can reduce their risks and increase the success rate in the coming decade.

The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a tremendous transformation in the Social Trading Platform Market. More than half of global businesses suffer from supply chain breakdowns. The period marked a drop-down in revenue scales and led to the suspension of production for a certain time. This section under Social Trading Platform market research dedicated to a detailed discussion on pandemic influences and responses by businesses is intended to help companies in post-pandemic business tactics. After 2 years of disrupted supply-demand metrics, participants in the Social Trading Platform market started to reposition themselves back in competition. Key companies in this Social Trading Platform market are- eToro, A-Trade, ZuluTrade, Tornado, MetaQuotes, PrimeXBT, Pepperstone Markets Limited, Tickmill, Octa Markets Incorporated, Assetgro Fintech Pvt. Ltd (Stockgro), Public Holding, Inc., Naga Group AG, Snowball X

Market dynamics

Social Trading Platform The market is driven by combinations of multiple trends and drivers that influence the market share of key companies. This research is based on key business analysis models such as Porter’s Five Forces, PESTEL evaluation, SWOT model, and Value Chain Analysis. However, there are certain challenges ahead of Social Trading Platform market players that are discussed in this report. Comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities are perks for buyers under this section.

Significance of Social Trading Platform Market Research:

Precise documentation of current Social Trading Platform market share, size, and revenue.

Future Revenue Projections Considering Forecast Duration.

Social Trading Platform Market segmentation and relevant segment-wise projections.

Regional Market Insights- Market size, revenue estimates, key players, mapping growth possibilities.

Competitive Landscape Analysis (Key market players and their organic strategies).

Detailed consumer analysis.

Off-the-shelf reports customization

We offer PDF and PPT formats for this report.

Social Trading Platform Market Segmentation

Based on Platform of Social Trading Platform Market Research report:

PC

Mobile

Based on End User of Social Trading Platform Market Research report:

Individual Traders

Professional Traders

Based on Asset Class of Social Trading Platform Market Research report:

Equity

Commodity

Derivatives

Crypto

Others

Based on Regions:

North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Central & Eastern Europe, CIS)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India, Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America)

The Middle East and Africa (Turkey, GCC, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

Rest of the World…

[arun-pratap-singh]

COVID-19 positivity rate in NCR drops to 2.9% — OCTA fellow

  MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) fell to 2.9 percent as of January 18, OCTA Research Group fellow Guido David said Friday. David said NCR’s positivity rate was recorded at 4.7 percent on January 11. “The daily average of cases fell to 103 on [January] 19, from 166 on [January] 12,” said David in a Twitter post. NCR 7-day positivity rate…

[jaejournalist11]

NCR virus reproduction rate down to 1.22; surge may have peaked —OCTA

The OCTA Research group on Saturday said the surge in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) “may have already peaked” after it noted the reproduction number of the coronavirus went down to 1.22.

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However, efforts to sustain the downward trend need to be implemented, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said.

“Early indications are that the surge may have already peaked in the NCR, but efforts must be sustained to ensure the trend continues downward,” he said on Twitter.

“Due to backlog, expect that there will be days when cases could still spike," David added.

Analyzing the trend in the number of new cases of COVID-19 in NCR this year, the group showed that aside from the decrease in reproduction number, the positivity rate in the region also went down to 24%.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/803750/ncr-virus-reproduction-rate-down-to-1-22-surge-may-have-peaked-octa/story/

[phgq]

Tagalog News: Gatchalian nagboluntaryo rin mabakunahan ng CoronaVac kontra COVID-19

#PHinfo: Tagalog News: Gatchalian nagboluntaryo rin mabakunahan ng CoronaVac kontra COVID-19

Kung mapagbibigyan sa kanyang hiling, nais din mabakunahan ni Senator Win Gatchalian ng CoronaVac vaccine galing China dahil sa kanyang tiwala sa bakuna kontra COVID-19 na aprubado ng pamahalaan. (Ipinadalhang larawan)

LUNGSOD CALOOCAN, Marso 2 (PIA) -- Nagboluntaryo rin ngayong araw si Senator Win Gatchalian na mabakunahan ng CoronaVac na gawa ng kumpanyang Sinovac na base sa Beijing, China sakaling marapatin sa ilalim ng prioritization framework ng gobyerno para sa pangkalahatang pagbabakuna laban sa coronavirus.

“Alam ko may prioritization tayo ngayon. Kung hindi naman lalabag dito, nagboboluntaryo akong mabakunahan ng Sinovac. Ito ay para ipakita sa publiko ang ating suporta sa isinasagawang vaccination program,” ani Gatchalian matapos ang ginanap na makasaysayang vaccine rollout sa mga referral hospital sa Kamaynilaan.

Sinabi pa ni Gatchalian na bago pa sinimulan ang vaccination program nitong Lunes ay naiparating na nya mismo kay National Policy Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. ang kagustuhan nyang maging bahagi nito para na rin mabawasan ang pag-aalinlangan ng mga ayaw magpabakuna.

Ito rin ay para pabulaanan ang mga haka-haka na may mga politikong gustong gumamit ng mas kilalang brand at may efficacy rate na mas mataas sa CoronaVac, ani Gatchalian.

“Ang mas importante para sa akin ay ang seal of approval ng Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kung ito’y aprubado ng FDA, makasisiguro tayo na ito’y dumaan sa masusing pag-aanalisa nila bago nila binigyan ng authorization for emergency use. So, okay na sa akin ang ganun. Okay ako kahit anong brand ng anti-COVID-19 vaccine. Hindi ako brand conscious. NagtitiwaIa ako sa FDA,” paliwanag ng senador.

Naunang napaulat na hindi nirerekomenda ng FDA ang paggamit ng CoronVac sa mga health workers dahil ang efficacy rate nito sa mga medical frontliners ay aabot lamang sa 50.4 porsyento samantalang aabot sa 64 porsyento hanggang 91 porsyento naman ang efficacy rate sa mga taong may malusog na pangangatawan at nasa edad na 18 hanggang 59. Nauna na ring sinabi ng FDA na hindi ito rekomendado sa mga ssnior citizens.

Bago sinimulan noong Lunes ang immunization drive, lumabas sa survey na isinagawa ng Octa Research Group noong Enero 26 hanggang Pebrero 1, 2021 na nasa 19 porsyento lamang ng mga Pilipino ang payag magpabakuna samantalang 46 porsyento ang di sang-ayon, at 35 poryento ang wala pang pasya sa bagay na ito.

Ngunit naniniwala si Gatchalian na madadagdagan sa mga darating na araw ang bilang ng mga tatanggap ng bakunang CoronaVac.

“Maraming hesitant kasi bago itong vaccine. Kaya importante dito ang confidence building na dapat pangunahan ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno, well-known personalities at kahit na elected officials kagaya ng ginawa ni Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam,” ang sabi pa ng senador. (PIA NCR)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Tagalog News: Gatchalian nagboluntaryo rin mabakunahan ng CoronaVac kontra COVID-19." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068313 (accessed March 02, 2021 at 12:43PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Tagalog News: Gatchalian nagboluntaryo rin mabakunahan ng CoronaVac kontra COVID-19." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068313 (archived).

[iamalivenow]

It starts as a joke, probably. A quick thrown out “eat me” in the middle of an argument that Accord overhears late one night. This particular branch is so slow moving she just had to involve herself. It's definitely not at all that she was too bored or anything. No definitely not- It had everything to do with the fact that this one required a sort of hands-on approach. A little bit of nudging, that's all.

The derivation occurred when the Intoner known as Three had gotten away, run off to hide in the Land of Sands with all of her countless army. So the anomaly known as Zero had no chance to take a break between her corrections. The search was... tedious. Either way, it started as a joke. She thinks. For all of Zero's exclamations, she can be shockingly dry in her humor. One of her disciples- not her's “just loaners, don't put that shit on me”- spreads his fingers in a V and sticks his tongue between it and Zero kicks him in the shin. Hard, presumably, as he almost doubles over and starts complaining in a higher pitched voice than usual. Another disciple makes groaning noises, and Zero rolls her eyes. And yet another remarks on how his bone is certainly strong enough to- “Hey, do you eat?” Accord's optics click once between she turns to look at Zero. “Oh, only recreationally.” “Just say no, god.” But it's not sharp- she doesn't believe it to be. “I'm hungry!” Her dragon says, tail whipping the sand around and making half of the party groan. “Stop- I know-” Accord stands through the night, watching them quietly, feeling sand graze against her face and get stuck in her hair. Zero coils around her dragon, the three disciples lay on their sides near the fire. She watches the sun slowly rise over the horizon, and the sky shift colors. This branch really is a waste of time.

…

“Lady Zero?” Accord stands on a dune, heels sinking into the sand slowly. It is mid-afternoon, and the sun hangs heavy in the sky, her system flashing a tiny alert every time the temperature rises by a degree. If worse comes to worst, she supposes she could remove her armor, but the disadvantage to her personal safety to doing so seems worse then any heat damage this model could sustain. “What?” “Well,” The disciple looks around, directionless. “There doesn't seem to be any food- or anything that can function as food. Nearby.” “And?” “Just worrying about your strength, Lady Zero. That's all.” “Worry about yourself.” Accord makes a note, for her personal future convenience that showing concern for the anomaly will result in a pleasant micro-expression. She will save a picture of it at a later time, when the lighting is not as harsh. “And Lady Zero, Mikhail is-” “He's fine!” She snaps and flings her sword at the disciple, just a few degrees off mark, which must be intentional. “Instead of acting like a baby, you could make yourself useful, for once, and dig up a cactus or some shit.” “R-right away, Lady Zero.”

…

A week later is the first day they do not find food, and the whining is audible from a mile away. Of course, it doesn't matter, as it seems like everything in the nearby area is either dead or scared enough of the whining to risk starvation. Which does seem to be the imminent end of this branch- forced to wander the deserts until madness, the regular human kind not the flower induced kind, takes them. It's rather bleak, definitely not her taste, but she's already decided to see this one out to the end. And even with the sand getting in places that will definitely require maintenance later, she gets to spend time with Zero. Doing valuable recorder work,  finding out how the anomaly operates in a different kind of stressful situation. It's fascinating. And Accord is glad that she's the model to get to do it. The party sits around a fire at night with the large disciple trying frantically to bring up the food scarcity and Zero getting more and more irritated by the moment. “We're all just one step away from resorting to cannibalism.” The older disciple says and the other three sound off instantly, Zero shouting them all down. “Get over yourselves for fucks sake-” “I call dibs on your thighs.” “Keep talking, and you won't have any fucking legs.” She walks away from them, in Accord's direction, a few steps past her before stopping. “Why are they so fucking stupid?” “Ah- Poor animation magic.” She says, her head tilting to ensure she could see all of Zero's angles in the moonlight. For research of course. “Piece of shit weed can't do anything right.” Accord doesn't say anything while Zero stands there and fumes and doesn't say anything when Zero sits down on the sand dune. “If it does come to cannibalism, do you have a preference?” Zero throws her arms up. “Just for the record.” “No, I don't. Decadus is too gamey, Dito doesn't have any meat on him, and Octa's basically leather.” “I think I would prefer eating you too. Objectively. If I am presented with no other options.” “Yeah well.” She gets sand in her face, and she supposes that's deserved, but Zero's so close that if she were to jack up her skin's pressure sensitivity, she could feel the petals on her face. “Good thing you don't eat.”

…

Four days after that, Zero makes the executive decision to hack her legs off and regenerate. Accord stares at her from a distance, just like the disciples stare at her up close and the Dragon makes pathetic sobbing noises until she yells “Enough.” and the desert becomes exceptionally silent. “You need to eat.” She jabs the dragon on the face. “Otherwise you're useless to me.” “B-but Zero- But Zero it's- it's you!” “Yes.” “And you're- But Zero!” “End of conversation.” And then she turns to the angry one and holds her sword out, pommel first. “Happy birthday.” It's not anyone's birthday, but the disciple looks so elated Accord doesn't feel the need to correct anyone. “Lady Zero-” “The idiot gets one and a half, you can split what's left.” “Can't I take more? I mean-” “Be grateful I'm feeding you at all.” She doesn't scream, when they finally decide to do it. It's good data, even when faced with such horrific bodily harm, that the anomaly will sooner grit her teeth and bear it then yell. Though, Accord hypothesizes that it might be for the dragon's sake. The sound of dragon bone against intoner skin and muscle and finally bone is good data too, considering their models are so rarely present when an intoner gets put down. Later, Zero sits next to Accord and watches them try and hack the meat off of the bone. The smell of burning flesh must spread out for miles. “Don't want to join them?” “Would you like me too?” “...It'd be weird to have you lord this over me. In other timelines.” “It would just be more information.” And they do so love their information. “You're really weird.” “Maybe to you.”

…

Five days later, when Zero's new stomach starts to ache with a desperation, she lets her disciple take an arm in addition. “Does it hurt?” Accord asks, once she crawls out of the flower tacky and naked. “If you could describe it in detail, that would be so very advantageous. For future branches.” “It just sucks at the end.” Zero tries to fix her hair and yells when the ribbon keeps slipping in the viscera. “Crawling out. The reformation is- not nice but.” She tries again, and the ribbon slips down into the sand through her hands. “Do it for me.” Accord sets her suitcase down, and once she's sure it won't slip down the dune and damage the contents, she walks over and picks up the black ribbon. The smell is even more metallic than usual, and the sickly sweetness of rot and the faint hints of chilled lily overwhelm her. She remembers that she altered her sensitivity almost as a passive thought but now? Why lower it. Zero's hair is soft, even under the gore, and she pulls it tight like how Zero prefers to wear it- but then there's no need to rush. She must have a few more seconds before Zero's hairline temper flares up so if she allows herself an unnecessary run of the fingers so that the hair slips along her wrist and makes her sensors flare with so much information it almost makes her organic dizzy then no one other than the Recorder models have to know. “You're very indifferent to the cannibalism.” She says instead of anything else. “Yeah well, been there done that. And moral gripping is for piss babies.” Zero turns around, and Accord remember vaguely that Zero is still naked. “It's just meat.” “Don't want to know what you taste like?” “Better they get extra and don't whine about it later.” Accord takes a step back and picks up her suitcase again. The familiar weight is what she chooses to latch on to while she lowers her sensitivity back down to its designated range. “Is it care or convenience?” “Ha.” She says without a hint of amusement. “Can't you tell?”

…

“Are we ever going to get out of here?” “You always do,” Accord says after another messy resurrection. “We're full of faith in you.” “We, huh?” Accord doesn't answer, so Zero gets up and goes to sit with her group. Accord sits for an hour alone before Zero finally comes back. “Here.” There's a sliver of meat between her fingers. “Recreationally.” “Professionally, if anything.” And she opens her mouth and lets Zero place it in her mouth. Her tastebuds aren't exactly designed for flavor profiles so much as they are designed to separate components, to analyze, and she can, at least on a surface level tell that it's Zero's thigh, that Zero's blood sugar was low and that she was dehydrated and that there was no fear ruining the meat. But it's really rather hard to read the popups when Zero's fingers are still in her mouth. They prod along her teeth, along the inside of her cheeks, almost all the way down her tongue. “Professionally?” She asks tracing the sensors at the back of her throat. “Who needed you to eat people professionally?” She means to say 'classified', but again, long, pretty, sharp fingers in her mouth, so who knows what jumbled mess comes out instead. “And?” Her mouth is empty, and she feels woefully hollow. “And?” “How do I taste?” “I'm unsure.” Accord lies for the first time since her model's creation. “More experimentation is required for an adequate answer.” “Professionally.” Zero nods along slowly. “Of course.” She really shouldn't be surprised when Zero pushes her down until she's sitting on the edge of her suitcase and Zero pulls at the lacing of her shorts. Maybe there's something to be said about the grim and dull routes after all. She doesn't taste of anything other than skin until Accord does something she has at the very back of her data logs with her tongue and then she tastes miserably human. She dismisses the absolutely useless information of ph value, blood pressure, somehow still low blood sugar, and focuses instead on how much she wants to burry inside of her and never leave. “Did 'They' give you something fun to play with?” Zero whispers, those long fingers coiling in her hair and tugging her around. “Or am I going to have to make do?” Accord doesn't bother answering, just keeps licking her open, trying to learn more and more and more about this thing that doesn't make sense, that doesn't function normally, that breaks time and space apart just because the end goal doesn't work for her. She learns Zero doesn't mind gloved hands. Which is, of course, nothing short of vital information.

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: Ito ba ang MASKailangan ng Pilipinas?

Photo credit: Sulat Nadera

Nitong Setyembre 12 lamang ay opisyal nang pinirmahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ang Executive Order (EO) No. 3 na nagpapahintulot sa boluntaryong pagsuot ng face masks sa labas. Maraming mga eksperto sa medisina ang nangamba sa dala nitong mensahe na tila sinasabi sa mamamayan na “hindi na dapat katakutan pa ang COVID-19 sa Pilipinas.” Naging salungat din ito sa sinabi ng pangulo noong Hunyo ng kasalukuyang taon, “We have to wear face masks and comply with other health standards to ensure our safety and that of our loved ones.” Noong Setyembre 29 ay naitalang 18.9% na ang COVID-19 positivity rate ng NCR kasabay ng pagbabalik-eskwela at trabaho ng mga mamamayan. Ito ang pinakamataas na record mula nitong Hunyo, kung kailan din nanghikayat ang pangulo na magsuot pa lalo ng face masks. Handa na ba talaga ang Pilipinas sa optional wearing of masks o nagbubulag-bulagan lang ang kasalukuyang administrasyon sa pagiging COVID-19 free ng bansa?

Ayon kay OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David, ang mabagal na pagdami ng kaso ay hindi nangangahulugang wala nang pagtaas. Sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng Pilipinas, hindi muna dapat maging kampante ang pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng no mask needed policy na ito. Habang dumarami ang mga kaso at nagsisimula pa lamang magbalik sa face-to-face classes at activities ang mga mamamayan, dapat lalo pang mag-udyok at palakasin ang nakagawian nating pagsuot ng mask upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng nakararami.

Matatandaan na sa mga unang buwan ng pandemya ay madalas nating marinig mula sa nakaraang administrasyon ang mga paratang na “labas kayo nang labas” at “hindi kasi kayo sumusunod” tuwing nagkakaroon ng pagtaas ng mga kaso. Katulad nito, ang ipinatupad na polisiya ay maaaring maging paraan upang isisi sa masa sakaling muling tumaas ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Nakababahalang isipin na muling ibabaling sa mamamayan ang suliraning bunga ng bagong Executive Order na ito. Maaaring idahilan ng pamahalaan na ang hindi pagsuot ng masks at hindi pag-iingat ng taumbayan ang nagdulot ng surge kahit na ang mga nasa posisyon ang nagpatupad nito. Sa huli, ang sambayanan na naman ang mahihirapan sa posibilidad ng lockdown at muling paghihigpit ng health protocols.

Napakaraming dahilan kung bakit masasabing hindi pa napapanahon ang pagluluwag sa pagsusuot ng face masks sa Pilipinas. Isa lang itong malaking sayang sa oras lalo na’t pabago-bago at walang kasiguraduhan sa hinaharap ang estado ng kalusugan sa bansa natin ngayon. Ipinapahiwatig ng polisiyang ito ang pagbibigay sa masa ng responsibilidad ng pangangasiwa ng mga kaganapan sa ating pangkalusugang sektor kahit na tungkulin ito ng pamahalaan. Mga eksperto na ang nagsabi na ang pagtatanggal ng masks ang huling aksyon na dapat gawin ng mga mamamayan sa paglipat sa new normal pero ito ang inuuna ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Siya na mismo ang nagpahayag noong Hunyo, ”This is why I am urging everyone to take part in preventing another surge that could block our way to economic recovery.” Dito kami sumasang-ayon sa sinabi ng pangulo na pagsikapan pang pigilan ang surge kaya’t sana ay muling suriin ng pamahalaan ang polisiya hinggil sa pagsusuot ng face masks. At higit sa lahat, nananatiling ang pinakaepektibong paraan na tutugon sa isyu ng pandemiya ay isang komprehensibo't makabuluhang plano mula sa pamahalaan. //nina Kairyn Cruz at Sam Tubianosa

Mga Sanggunian:

Mendoza, R., Maralit, K., Cruz, M. (2022, September 10). BBM provides guidance for optional masking. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/10/news/national/bbm-provides-guidance-for-optional-masking/1857948

Magsambol, B. (2022, September 12). Outdoor wearing of face masks now optional in the Philippines. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/outdoor-wearing-face-masks-optional-philippines-september-12-2022/

Gita-Carlos, R. A. (2022). Wear face mask, follow health protocols: BBM urges public. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177007

De Vera, A. (2022, September 8). DOH wants to retain mandatory face mask rule but…. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/08/doh-wants-to-retain-mandatory-face-mask-rule-but/

Montemayor, M. T. (2022). NCR Covid-19 positivity rate at 18.9%, highest since June: OCTA. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1185044

[unbiasedph]

7 Luzon areas ‘very high’ COVID rate

7 Luzon areas ‘very high’ COVID rate

A number of areas in Luzon still have a COVID-19 positivity rate above 20 percent, but Metro Manila’s rate has dropped to 12.9 percent, the independent monitoring OCTA Research Group said Monday. Read Full News @ Manila Standard

[ricisidro]

COVID-19 growth rate, reproduction number sa NCR, nakikitaan na ng pagbaba (Agosto 2-9): OCTA #COVID19PH #Philippines #PH #NCR #COVID19 Kapwa nakikitaan na nang pagbaba ang one-week growth rate at reproduction number ng COVID-19 infections sa National Capital Region (NCR). Ito ang iniulat ng independent monitoring group na OCTA Research ngayong araw ng Miyerkules, kasabay nang pagpapahayag ng pag-asa na ang mga kaso ay aabot na sa peak o sa rurok, sa lalong madaling panahon o sa susunod na linggo (ngunit walang kasiguraduhan). Ang COVID-19 growth rate sa rehiyon ay bumaba na sa 5% noong Agosto 9 galing ng 14% noong Agosto 2 mula naman sa dating 21% noong Hulyo 26. Ang reproduction number naman ay bumaba rin sa 1.17 galing ng 1.24 na mula sa dating 1.33 sa mga nasabi ring petsa. Bumaba rin ang healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) sa NCR, na naging 35.7% na mula sa dating 38% noong Agosto 2, ngunit ito ay mas mataas sa 32% noong Hulyo 26. Ang Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occupancy rate ay bahagyang tumaas sa 31% mula sa 30% na mula sa 27%,, ay nananatili pa rin itong mababa, kaya’t nasa moderate risk pa rin ang rehiyon sa COVID-19. Bumaba naman ang positivity rate sa rehiyon sa 15.9% na mula sa dating 16.9% noong Agosto 2, ngunit mas mataas sa 15.5% noong Hulyo 26. Ang average daily attack rate (ADAR) naman ay tumaas sa 8.85 per 100k mula 8.39 na galing sa 7.34 sa mga nasabing panahon. Ang 7-day average daily cases ng NCR ay naging 1,275 mula 1,209 na galing sa dating 1,057 sa mga nasabing petsa. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChEBbFULXti/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[carlocarrasco]

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila’s COVID-19 cases may peak this month

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila’s COVID-19 cases may peak this month

There is no denying that COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila have been rising which is why there are renewed efforts to encourage people to follow health protocols, wear masks and avoid becoming complacent. That being said, the OCTA Research Group stated that Metro Manila COVID-19 cases may peak this month, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recently, a slow down on the COVID-19 growth rate…